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PRAIA DA VITORIA
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Praia da Victoria
The seat of the Captaincy of Terceira in the early settlement period
(1456 to 1474) and made a town in 1640, Praia (as it was
then simply called) took part in the economic prosperity
of the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Near the
town, and with the participation of its inhabitants, the
battle of Salga was fought in 1581. The pretender to the
throne, Dom António, Prior do Crato, was acclaimed king
when he landed at Praia in 1582. The struggles between
liberals and absolutists brought Praia back to the pages
of history once again. In 1829 the town, supporting the
liberal cause, heroically and successfully resisted an
attack and attempted landing by an absolutist fleet of 21
ships with highly superior forces. It was this fact that
led to the town's being granted the title of Praia da
Vitoria in 1837
Its economic importance and growth, achieved in spite of
the earthquake of 1841 which partially destroyed it,
justified its being raised to the status of a city in
1981. A large new oceanic port, recently built,
decisively contribute to its progress
Places to visit: Parish Church; Church of Senhor Santo
Cristo; Fort Santa Catarina; Town Hall; Historic centre.
The long, sheltered sands of Praia da Vitoria are one of
the most welcoming beaches in the Azorer A seaport was
built with a 1,400 metre long jetty
An excellent vista of the coast and town can be had from
the belvedere called Miradouro Riviera, on the cape known
as Ponta do Cabo
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